AANA Fellowship Education - Elbow Arthroscopy: What Every Sports Physician Should Know-Elbow Arthroscopy: What Every Sports Physician Should Know

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This comprehensive webinar from the Fellowship Education Series focused on elbow arthroscopy and its relevance for sports physicians. The session featured expert faculty, including Drs. Larry Field, Josh Szabo, and Michael O'Brien, who shared insights on diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy techniques, indications, and case management.<br /><br />Dr. Field emphasized the importance of proper operating room setup, understanding elbow neural anatomy to safely establish portals, and patient positioning—favoring prone or lateral for better access and joint stability. He demonstrated diagnostic arthroscopy via video, highlighting key anatomical landmarks and systematic evaluation of all elbow compartments to identify pathology.<br /><br />Dr. Szabo discussed lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), clarifying it as a failed tendon healing response rather than inflammation. Non-surgical treatment is effective for ~90% of patients; surgery is reserved for those refractory after 6-12 months. Arthroscopic release allows precise debridement of diseased tissue and assessment of intra-articular pathology. MRI aids surgical planning, particularly for larger tendon defects requiring repair. He noted risks of multiple corticosteroid injections and potential associated ligamentous instability.<br /><br />Dr. O'Brien addressed arthroscopic management of elbow osteoarthritis, emphasizing identification and resection of osteophytes and capsule release for stiffness and pain, particularly end-range extension loss. He prefers the prone position and use of retractors to protect neurovascular structures during bony debridement. Advanced imaging, like 3D CT, is vital for surgical planning. Outcomes following arthroscopic procedures show improved range of motion and pain relief with low complication rates.<br /><br />Case discussions covered acute elbow dislocations with ligamentous injuries, advocating early repair—sometimes arthroscopic—of lateral collateral ligaments to restore stability and hasten return to play. Other cases illustrated challenges like revision surgery after failed tennis elbow release and non-anatomic distal biceps repair, underscoring the need for precise anatomy knowledge and tailored treatment.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar highlighted advances in elbow arthroscopy techniques, their indications, and practical management strategies to optimize outcomes in sports-related elbow conditions.

Keywords

elbow arthroscopy

sports physicians

diagnostic arthroscopy

therapeutic arthroscopy

lateral epicondylitis

tennis elbow

arthroscopic release

elbow osteoarthritis

operative positioning

neural anatomy

ligament repair

advanced imaging